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Midfielder ‘flattered’ by Arsenal interest amid reports of £20m move

By on June 8, 2017

According to quotes in the Evening Standard, Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina has said he’s ‘flattered’ to be linked with a move to Arsenal amid speculation we’re lining-up a move for the £20m-rated star.

Arsene Wenger is gearing up for a busy summer in the transfer market as he looks to revamp his squad following a disappointing campaign that saw us miss out on the top four for the first time in 20 years.

While most of the talk in the papers has centered around our pursuit of a top class striker, the boss is also seemingly on the look out for another central midfielder and Lemina has been touted as a target.

The Evening Standard reported last month that Arsenal were lining-up a swoop for the Gabon international with Juventus understood to be willing to do business at £20m.

The same newspaper says Lemina remains one of Wenger’s main midfield targets but we could face competition for his signature from the likes of Watford, Valencia and Lyon.

Lemina has now admitted that he’s flattered to be linked with Arsenal and in a further boost he appeared to rule out the chance of joining Lyon due to his ties with Marseille.

Speaking to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Lemina is quoted by the Evening Standard as saying:

“I am flattered by the interest of Arsenal and Watford. I am playing for a big club now but I am happy about the interest of other clubs.

“I do not have a preference for any league. My future depends on who really wants me.”

“I don’t think I’ll be moving to Lyon. I am from Marseille and I am not interested in joining them. I don’t think I have a chance to return to Marseille.”

Lemina joined Juventus from Marseille in 2015 and is highly-rated in Italy but he’s struggled to hold down a regular place in Max Allegri’s starting eleven.

The young midfielder has started just 15 Serie A games over the past two seasons so it’s no wonder he’s being tipped to leave Turin in search of regular football this summer.

READ: Arsenal table huge offer for South American

I’ve said for some time that we need to strengthen our midfield options as we can’t rely on Santi Cazorla or Jack Wilshere [if he stays] while Francis Coquelin simply isn’t good enough in my opinion.

Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka finished the season strongly but we need more depth and Lemina could be a great addition to the squad if Wenger decides to formalise his interest this summer.